The obligatory “Obama’s health-care infomercial bombs in the ratings” post
posted at 7:48 pm on June 25, 2009 by Allahpundit
Did Ed post a schadenfreude thread for this earlier today? Between monitoring news about celebrities dying and googling for photos of Sanford’s mistress, I’ve lost track of what we’ve covered and what we haven’t.
In case not, please feel free to schaden your freude below.
The one-hour ABC News special “Primetime: Questions for the President: Prescription for America” (4.7 million viewers, 1.1 preliminary adults 18-49 rating) had the fewest viewers in the 10 p.m. hour (against NBC’s “The Philanthropist” debut and a repeat of “CSI: NY” on CBS). The special tied some 8 p.m. comedy repeats as the lowest-rated program on a major broadcast network.
The special was shot at the White House and featured the president answering questions about his health care plan. The president’s primary message was that those who like their current insurance will be able to keep it and that taking no action will result in higher health care costs.
What’s the true significance of this? Is it proof that Obama is so overexposed that people would rather gamble on a show with a title as crappy as “The Philanthropist” than watch him anymore? Or merely proof that health-care policy is so dry and byzantine a subject that not even having Megan Fox as his co-host could have gotten The One an audience last night?
Blowback
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As I said in the Michael Jackson thread, if this keeps up, Obama is going to need to get a little friend like Webster to help bump the ratings for his tv shows.
myrenovations on June 25, 2009 at 7:50 PM
Obama was on TV? Why didn’t anyone say something?
skree on June 25, 2009 at 7:51 PM
It proves that most Americans could care less about this debate…which means, unless enough Blue Dogs oppose it, we’re getting the third course of the crap dinner served on a silver platter.
AUINSC on June 25, 2009 at 7:52 PM
Call me crazy, but being on TV twice a day might be overexposure.
He’s also throwing out the first pitch at the All Star Game.
Imagine how much worse off the country will be when he starts putting in a full day’s work.
Chuck Schick on June 25, 2009 at 7:52 PM
Which only goes to prove your priorities are skewed.
highhopes on June 25, 2009 at 7:52 PM
Oh no! An Obama Mini-Me!
innominatus on June 25, 2009 at 7:52 PM
It was HYPED to the max too.
Ultimate fail.
artist on June 25, 2009 at 7:52 PM
It may be a ratings failure…but the Dems are in over-drive to get as many of these turds into law before the 2010 mid-terms.
AUINSC on June 25, 2009 at 7:53 PM
No. He’ll just pull a John Edwards and make the bold lie that Michael Jackson would still be living if we had universal socialized medicine.
highhopes on June 25, 2009 at 7:53 PM
I honestly forgot this show was on last night. I watched the end of the College World Series. I don’t even remember seeing it on my cable program guide. I don’t watch any other ABC shows though, so I would not have seen any advertising for it. But my husband is on the Obama campaign email list, and they didn’t even email their minions to watch it.
EPIC FAIL
rockmom on June 25, 2009 at 7:54 PM
What’s interesting about a one-sided program? Had there been any genuine debate I’d have been glued to the tube. My evening was better spent with a good book.
obladioblada on June 25, 2009 at 7:54 PM
Megan who?
Good Lt on June 25, 2009 at 7:56 PM
well lets hope that it translates in to health care reform, oboobi version being shot down in flames…
SHARPTOOTH on June 25, 2009 at 7:56 PM
Please tell me you are kidding.
Squid Shark on June 25, 2009 at 7:57 PM
The Entire news media is covering Michale Jackson…… The entire media.
I wouldn’t put it past Congress to call an “emergency” roll call TONIGHT and vote on whatever they want to ram through.
PAY ATTENTION TO YOUR “GOVERNMENT”.
Don’t let up for one second…..
Keep calling, e-mailing and faxing your Congress Critters and tell them……
NO on Cap & Trade, NO on ObamaCare and NO on any amnesty for illegal aliens.
Mark my words, the bulk of the American public is completely distracted by the death of a talented unconvicted pedophile.
Kenny Solomon
Locked and loaded in South Florida.
“Bing…bing…biiiiing…… Oy vey !”……. Ricochet Rabbi
E T Cartman on June 25, 2009 at 7:58 PM
Oh no, I would’ve definitely watched if Megan was on.
Otherwise, not so much.
Purple Fury on June 25, 2009 at 7:59 PM
But my husband is on the Obama campaign email list,rockmom on June 25, 2009 at 7:54 PM
ewwwwww…that’s terrible….ick.
SHARPTOOTH on June 25, 2009 at 8:00 PM
Ususally look forward to Friday’s. Would have been a great one knowing how the Obafailure went. Yet, tomorrows energy vote has got me in knots.
I see dumb people.
HoustonRight on June 25, 2009 at 8:00 PM
The false choice of shaden or freude.
ABC sold their sole , and got pennies on the dollar.
Obama lost out on his ego fix.
the_nile on June 25, 2009 at 8:00 PM
Was it on? Oops, missed it… Sorry…
Khun Joe on June 25, 2009 at 8:00 PM
I agree. The twelvers and the Mad Mullahs in Iran also owe a huge debt to MJ’s weak heart.
elduende on June 25, 2009 at 8:00 PM
As soon as we wake up from wall to wall MJ, they’ll have passed cap n trade, obamacare, and amnesty for illegals.
califdreamnred on June 25, 2009 at 8:01 PM
Don’t forget card check. I am pretty sure it is on tomorrows agenda too.
HoustonRight on June 25, 2009 at 8:02 PM
OT…HOWEVER…
Hey Allah…How about a thread on John Conyers droping the probe into ACORN/
“0″?Oh wait… nevermind…carry on…
jerrytbg on June 25, 2009 at 8:03 PM
First rule of a successful entertainer is to leave the audience wanting more. Obama’s interminable answers have the crowd trying to sidle out the door.
I haven’t seen a politician more in love with the sound of his own voice since John Kerry was last laughed off a stage.
cruadin on June 25, 2009 at 8:03 PM
Yep…that’s the reason we have Obama in office right now…the media circus and the morons who can’t take their eyes off of it for 5 minutes…ADD nation.
AUINSC on June 25, 2009 at 8:03 PM
Thought about watching it, but I had rented Pink Panther II and being a shallow person I opted for entertainment. After all, I can see obama any old time.
jeanie on June 25, 2009 at 8:06 PM
Next Week: The White House unveils new spokes-alien The Great Gazoo!
Obama has Jumped the Shark.
gridlock2 on June 25, 2009 at 8:06 PM
The Hopey/Changey Administration,
has a destiny,with an iceberg!!
Or,
if the Hopey/Changey Liberal Temple of Five Pillars
of Perpetual Hope and NeverEnding Change collapse
into dust first!!——-(Snark).
canopfor on June 25, 2009 at 8:06 PM
Silver lining? Maybe Shep will implode.
califdreamnred on June 25, 2009 at 8:07 PM
Thinking of Obama and MJ and Brittiny and the list goes on… What happens when people stop paying attention to a megalomaniac narcissist? They start acting erratically and self-destructively to attract the missing attention. God help us.
tommylotto on June 25, 2009 at 8:08 PM
How could I forget that Card Check mess….. I’m a tech installer.
I owe ya a drink, HoustonRight.
Cheers !
Kenny
E T Cartman on June 25, 2009 at 8:09 PM
Tonight on CNN…Michael Jackson for 12 hours straight…oh and some bill passed, something about nationalized health care with an amnesty for all illegals ammendment….now back to the news….Michael Jacskon’s long lost cousin is on the phone from Plano, hello sir
angryed on June 25, 2009 at 8:12 PM
I’ve called all of my congressmen and they are all voting against it, even the lone dem. Hope everyone is doing the same.
Bambi on June 25, 2009 at 8:12 PM
Way ahead of ya! Maybe I can pass out and this will have all been a
dreamnightmare.HoustonRight on June 25, 2009 at 8:12 PM
I’m worried about the ratings this weekend when he hosts SNL.
Jim Treacher on June 25, 2009 at 8:13 PM
What? when we wake up from MJ? If people were awake we wouldn’t have Pres.Obama. Until the press and tv news gets off the “obama the great” memo. People will always be “asleep”.
Greed on June 25, 2009 at 8:13 PM
Al…Go ahead and post this as many times as you want…Need a good laugh among all the tears.
rich801 on June 25, 2009 at 8:13 PM
Took 2 hrs to get though. Hope that is a good sign. KEEP TRYING EVERYONE!!!
HoustonRight on June 25, 2009 at 8:14 PM
boring.
moonbatkiller on June 25, 2009 at 8:15 PM
Crown Royal Cask No. 16.
Chased with (seriously) Monty Python’s Holy
GrAil.(It’s a really good light-mid ale.)
I figure if I’m gonna do it, then do it right.
God Bless What Will Remain Of America.
E T Cartman on June 25, 2009 at 8:15 PM
For a Devil’s Advocate’s pov:
Perhaps not many people watched the infomercial because they trust Mr Obama enough to make the right decision. Why bother to find out the details, as long as it gets done? People should have access to healthcare and President Obama is doing just that. Besides, I won’t need it, so why bother watching it? The only people who would watch it are those who need it.
Weebork on June 25, 2009 at 8:16 PM
I used to watch the All Star Game…..
saltyrover on June 25, 2009 at 8:16 PM
I thought it was airing tomorrow? Anyway, I am listening to Savage take a part the msm for using Edie Falco as a spokes person for health care because she plays a junkie RN tossup.
He’s right.
I remember when Congress called all these actresses as expert witnesses on the farm crisis because they played farmer’s wives in films. Sissy Spacek, Jessica Lange, Sally Field… it was pathetic.
Blake on June 25, 2009 at 8:16 PM
This sets a precedent: A show I [i]don’t[/i] like gets canceled!
Well, a guy can hope for change?
eforhan on June 25, 2009 at 8:16 PM
What’s that you say…nah…they wouldn’t do that…
bait and switch…bob and weave…yada yada yada…
jerrytbg on June 25, 2009 at 8:16 PM
Hey! Maybe the cast of ER will testify on behalf of ObammyCare?
Blake on June 25, 2009 at 8:16 PM
I wonder what Obama will do when a week goes by………..
….. and there aren’t Freedom Protests in Iran, threats of Nuclear War from North Korea, the deaths of David Carradine, Ed Mcmahon, Farrah Fawcett, Michael Jackson don’t take away the news of his Marxist/Socialist programs of Soviet Health Care, Europe Tax and Cap Disaster, and Illegal Immigration Amnesty are on the table.
Maybe they will actually look at what he is trying to do with this country………..
………. and say “What the fu%k?”
Seven Percent Solution on June 25, 2009 at 8:18 PM
You’re the doctor :)
HoustonRight on June 25, 2009 at 8:19 PM
Preview button, EF! Preview button, dammit!
eforhan on June 25, 2009 at 8:20 PM
This is more outrageous
William Amos on June 25, 2009 at 8:20 PM
The significance of it is Obama is boring.
On top of that, he’s overexposed.
Because – he’s in love with himself.
May it continue on.
Alana on June 25, 2009 at 8:23 PM
Um..ah..maybe..ah..it was..ah..um..too much ah media
fornication..ah..um,maybe ah..am..the worshipping of thee
um..ah.maybe..ah my socialism at the speed of light..ah..
um..ah..could of been..ah my socialism reckeless ah..um..
hell bent for leather spending,um..ah..could of been..ah
shutting out all Republican ah..um..input..ah..as I have ah
said,WE WON,and ah in that,um..we ah have um..ALL THE POWER
ah….um..and ah now,ah..um..it could be ah..um..the health
care.ah..um..that ah I want to ah..um.dam the torpedo’s..ah
and ram it through..ah..um..at all costs..ah..or..it could..
of been……——————(Snark).
canopfor on June 25, 2009 at 8:25 PM
This is the new propaganda in politics. I e-mailed the filthy liar in the White House telling him I wanted to fail and kept getting his updates until I hit the unsubscribe option.
highhopes on June 25, 2009 at 8:26 PM
We’re gonna be in a literal fight for our lives come the 2010 election (if the Dems even allow an election to take place after seizing Totalitarian control).
E T Cartman on June 25, 2009 at 8:26 PM
Truth be told, I want Obama on TV 24/7 because:
1) The more people see of him, the more they realize what a moron he is and…
2) The more he talks, the more his lies become obvious.
3) He’s boring as hell and he’ll jump the shark faster that way.
AUINSC on June 25, 2009 at 8:27 PM
Or merely proof that health-care policy is so dry and byzantine a subject that not even having Megan Fox as his co-host could have gotten The One an audience last night?
Allahpundit
.
.
That was funny. I think the infomercial would have at least broke the five million mark with her on Allah.
Americannodash on June 25, 2009 at 8:29 PM
The way he enunciates…the trailing “sssss”…his stammering at any question his teleprompter can’t answer quick enough…I can see why people are getting skeptical.
StevefromMKE on June 25, 2009 at 8:29 PM
Where are his PR folks?
He could have blitzed everything that’s on today if he’d included a pre-taped interview of Anna Nicloe Smith discussing pharmaceuticals.
With a little make up she’d film good as new.
Forget Neda and the Iranians, they’re only real there not reality viewing.
Limpet6 on June 25, 2009 at 8:30 PM
Sooo, ABC was selling fish and got pennies for them?
heh
/s
alohapundit on June 25, 2009 at 8:32 PM
I actually find this worrisome. If 77% of people are “satisfied” with their healthcare plan, I would think they would be all ears to find out what Obama has in store for them. The fact that the majority didn’t bother, gives a message to the legislature that people are either uninformed, complacent, apathetic or trusting of their judgement–any of which will be construed as “all systems go” for the power hungry.
polmom on June 25, 2009 at 8:32 PM
and say “What the Fu%k”
Seven Percent Solutionon June 25,2009 at 8:18PM.
Seven Percent Solution:
Just like the Clinton Administration,Team Obama has been
lucky enough,to of had a whole bunch of,’DISTRACTIONS’ to
keep most Americans,off of Obamas Agenda of Destroying
America!!:)
canopfor on June 25, 2009 at 8:32 PM
Or bottom of a shoe, in case they might offend Obama?
eforhan on June 25, 2009 at 8:33 PM
I’m sure things will get better when Obama finishes campaigning and is sworn in as president.
Huh? Oh. Never mind.
Star20 on June 25, 2009 at 8:33 PM
Obama needs to hire Billy Mays. Has anyone else seen that show Pitchmen? It is positively addicting! LOL.
alohapundit on June 25, 2009 at 8:33 PM
Tonight on CNN…Michael Jackson for 12 hours straight…oh and some bill passed, something about nationalized health care with an amnesty for all illegals ammendment….now back to the news….Michael Jacskon’s long lost cousin is on the phone from Plano, hello sir
angryed on June 25, 2009 at 8:12 PM
Second pitcher here we come.
LSUMama on June 25, 2009 at 8:34 PM
+1
alohapundit on June 25, 2009 at 8:34 PM
Just off the wire, for the ABC fall lineup:
“The Lyin’ King”
Main characters include:
Simbama: The energetic, big-eared neophyte who’s all growl and no bite.
Rahmfiki: Simbama’s mandrill-like sidekick, who uses his cudgel as a tool of persuasion.
Scarface: Simbama’s angry uncle, a 9/11 truther, whose favorite metaphor involves chickens coming home to roost.
Includes the charming song, “The Circle of Lies.”
Precedes “Lost.”
EMD on June 25, 2009 at 8:34 PM
Congrats on your tigers kicking my horns butts. I played at UT but my neice attends LSU.
HoustonRight on June 25, 2009 at 8:38 PM
highhopes on June 25, 2009 at 8:26 PM
oh…ok… i’ll keep that in mind. thanks….
SHARPTOOTH on June 25, 2009 at 8:39 PM
The One is above the laws of nature. Over-exposure means people will get sick of him sooner rather than later.
bayview on June 25, 2009 at 8:43 PM
Oh thanks…like I wasn’t disgusted enough…;)
Are we dreaming…this is a dream or nightmare right…
jerrytbg on June 25, 2009 at 8:44 PM
I meant to say the One is NOT above the law of nature.
bayview on June 25, 2009 at 8:44 PM
I think we have to give ourselves some props here. Conservatives and GOP were all over calling this an infomercial and I think it had an impact on the outcome of this show. There were quite a few hard questions and Obama struggled as ABC themselves admitted. His overconfidence and overexposure has to come as something of a wakeup call, if not to him at least to ABC. I somehow doubt that they will be offering up prime time spots with ratings like these very much longer.
msmveritas on June 25, 2009 at 8:45 PM
LSUMama on June 25, 2009 at 8:34 PM
Congrats on your tigers kicking my horns butts. I played at UT but my neice attends LSU.
HoustonRight on June 25, 2009 at 8:38 PM
Thanks we were worried but I aint mad at ya HAHA. Bet your neice is hungover like my son today.Actually all of LA. is probably hungover.If we had to loose it would have been an honor to loose to Texas bc yall still kicka–.
LSUMama on June 25, 2009 at 8:47 PM
Huffington Post. Imagine the US like Iran. It would be Dobson, Falworth and Hagee having christian thugs running around targeting secular humanists.
William Amos on June 25, 2009 at 8:49 PM
He could not even get 10% of the people who voted for him to watch!!
And he was giving away free sh*t. Unbelievable.
patrick neid on June 25, 2009 at 8:53 PM
Megan Fox is a nice wrapper, but there’s nothing inside. Not even a styrofoam figurine. zero. Just like Zerobama.
….just like ABC
….just like his socialist plans for the country.
I’m not supporting any of it. No, not Megan either. She may as well be Meghan McFatty for all I care, she’s a zero.
Am I painting the picture clear enough? Hope so, don’t have the energy for more than that.
Spiritk9 on June 25, 2009 at 8:53 PM
Doesn’t matter, he can watch the replays over and over and over and over…
right2bright on June 25, 2009 at 8:54 PM
Yep, give Obambi his own channel. That way the MSM can’t hide how screwed up his ideas and policies are. Let’s try something different concerning Obmabi, let the truth be known.
ABC’s ratings in the toilet, just like their self esteem must be.
Hog Wild on June 25, 2009 at 8:55 PM
b.o.r.i.n.g.
Terrye on June 25, 2009 at 8:55 PM
I watched Terminator 3 with my sons.
Miss Molly on June 25, 2009 at 8:58 PM
Anyone who wasted their time watching this propaganda laden snoozefest needs to have their head examined, but a psychiatrist reimbursed by the White House and ABC.
NoDonkey on June 25, 2009 at 9:00 PM
OR – they’re like us. They don’t need to hear his crap to already know that it is crap.
Alana on June 25, 2009 at 9:01 PM
Eh, no need…he’s got 3 already.
AUINSC on June 25, 2009 at 9:01 PM
I suggest the Cartoon Network.
He can appear between “Fat Albert and the Cosby Kids” and “Loony Toons”. The “Wacky Adventures of Barack Obama” will fit right in.
NoDonkey on June 25, 2009 at 9:01 PM
Congrats on your tigers kicking my horns butts. I played at UT but my neice attends LSU.
HoustonRight on June 25, 2009 at 8:38 PM
Way to go LSU. Gig’em. :)
txag92 on June 25, 2009 at 9:02 PM
That’s just WRONG!!!! But,I hear ya.
HoustonRight on June 25, 2009 at 9:04 PM
Regarding the infomercial, I hope this is a hint to Bozo that PEOPLE DO NOT WANT TO SEE YOU ON TV EVERY DAY. Problem is, Bozo is a narcassist so we will continue to see him every day until January 2013.
txag92 on June 25, 2009 at 9:05 PM
Too much Obama. People are tired of him.
ddrintn on June 25, 2009 at 9:06 PM
That’s just WRONG!!!! But,I hear ya.
HoustonRight on June 25, 2009 at 9:04 PM
Just had to provide a little dig. :)
txag92 on June 25, 2009 at 9:06 PM
As soon as I see him during a sporting event….
I’ll jump..I mean it..I’ve see me do it
HoustonRight on June 25, 2009 at 9:08 PM
No worries..That’s what makes it fun!!!!
HoustonRight on June 25, 2009 at 9:09 PM
Congrats on your tigers kicking my horns butts. I played at UT but my neice attends LSU.
HoustonRight on June 25, 2009 at 8:38 PM
Way to go LSU. Gig’em. :)
txag92 on June 25, 2009 at 9:02 PM
GEAUX TIGERS!!!!!!!!!
LSUMama on June 25, 2009 at 9:22 PM
Dead air. Deader admin.
Coronagold on June 25, 2009 at 10:08 PM
I can’t even make myself watch Obama to record all the gaffes he makes in order to make fun of him.
Daggett on June 25, 2009 at 10:12 PM
I had begun to worry that we might be experiencing the beginnings of a frequent Chavez-like television hour here in the US with our own dear leader….but with ratings like these, my fears have been allayed.
bicraftuallass on June 25, 2009 at 10:16 PM
And what’s really sad is Obama will probably use Michael Jackson’s death as yet another opportunity to put his mug in front of a camera. ugh. ALL the media will want to know how he feels about it. All of them.
scalleywag on June 25, 2009 at 10:16 PM
Not sure if you all remember but Transformers came out yesterday. The one cannot compete with transformers Optimus Prime is better than “the one” People were out during primetime showings of the greatest robot movie of the year (much better than terminator).
If you had the choice between Transformers or “the one” which would you watch Optimus Prime/Palin 2012
theguardianii on June 25, 2009 at 10:52 PM
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